Cayey, Puerto Rico
(ka-YAI)
Cayey is known as "La Ciudad del Torito" (town of the little bull) and "La Ciudad de las Brumas" (city of the fog). Cayey was founded on August 17, 1773 by Juan Mata Vázquez, who became its first mayor. It is said that Cayey derives its name from the Taino Indian word for "a place of waters". Its original name was "Cayey de Muesas", in honor of Miguel de Muesas, the governor of Puerto Rico at the time.
Overview
Why Visit Cayey?
Cayey offers a completely different side of Puerto Rico. Instead of beaches and resorts, you'll discover cool mountain air, scenic overlooks, lush forests, and one of the island's most celebrated culinary traditions. Famous for the legendary Guavate Pork Highway, Carite State Forest, and panoramic mountain views, Cayey is where locals go for weekend drives, authentic Puerto Rican food, and a slower pace of life. If you want to experience Puerto Rico beyond the coast, Cayey belongs on your itinerary.
Cayey is also a lively university town. Home to the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey, the city combines academic life, local cafés, cultural events, and a youthful energy that complements its traditional jíbaro heritage.
Why I Love Cayey?
Growing up in Puerto Rico, a drive to Cayey always felt like an escape. The air becomes cooler, the mountains greener, and before long you're surrounded by roadside lechoneras, families enjoying live music, and incredible views. Whenever friends ask where they can experience the Puerto Rico that locals love, Cayey is always near the top of my list.
Top Attractions in Cayey
Guavate Pork Highway
The famous stretch of PR-184 lined with traditional lechoneras, where whole-roasted pork, arroz con gandules, and Puerto Rican music create one of the island's most authentic culinary experiences.
Book a trip to the Famous Guavate Pork Road & Charco Azul Food & River
Carite State Forest
Over 6,000 acres of protected forest offering hiking trails, mountain scenery, birdwatching, rivers, and the beautiful Charco Azul natural swimming hole.
Monumento al Jíbaro Puertorriqueño (Monument to the Puerto Rican Countryman)
One of Puerto Rico's most recognizable monuments, created by sculptor Tomás Batista, honoring the Puerto Rican Jibaro, a humble, hardworking and wise man, living in poverty and with little or no education. It offers panoramic views from the PR-52 rest area.
Charco Azul
A natural mountain swimming hole surrounded by lush forest, popular with locals looking to cool off after hiking.
Loma de los Tres Reyes Magos
A scenic overlook featuring massive stone carvings of the Three Wise Men and panoramic views of Cayey and the surrounding mountains.
Las Tetas de Cayey
Perhaps the most recognizable mountains in Puerto Rico, these distinctive twin peaks rise above the southern foothills of the Sierra de Cayey, nicknamed for their similarity to a female body part, which were formed by volcanic activity. Although they are officially located in neighboring Salinas, they have long been associated with Cayey and can be admired from several scenic viewpoints along PR-52. Hiking opportunities are available through guided tours.
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey
Founded in 1967, the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey is one of the island's leading public liberal arts institutions. Its beautiful hilltop campus hosts cultural events, art exhibitions, lectures, and athletic competitions, helping shape the city's vibrant college-town atmosphere.
Plan your Visit
Situated on Puerto Rico's scenic southwest coast, Cabo Rojo is best explored by car.
Getting There
By Car
Located in Puerto Rico's Central Mountain Region, Cayey is approximately 45–60 minutes from San Juan via PR-52 and serves as a popular stop between San Juan and Ponce.
Getting Around
Rental Car
A rental car is highly recommended. Many of Cayey's best attractions—including Guavate, Carite Forest, scenic overlooks, and Charco Azul—are spread throughout the mountains.
Driving
Mountain roads are well maintained but winding. Allow extra time and enjoy the scenic viewpoints along the way.
Local Tip
Visit Guavate on weekends for the full experience with live music and bustling lechoneras, but arrive early to avoid crowds.
Nature & Resources
Geography
Cayey territory is very mountainous because the city it is located on the Central Mountain range, north of Salinas and Guayama; south of Cidra and Caguas; east of Aibonito and Salinas; and west of San Lorenzo.
Major rivers include: Guavate, Jajome, Maton, La Plata, and Grande de Loíza.
Neighborhoods & Barrios
Cayey consists of 21 barrios (PDF), each contributing to the municipality's agricultural heritage and mountain landscapes.
- Beatriz
- Cedro
- Cercadillo
- Culebras Altos
- Culebras Bajo
- Farallón
- Guavate
- Jájome Alto
- Jájome Bajo
- Lapa,
- Matón Abajo
- Matón Arriba
- Monte Llano
- Pasto Viejo
- Pedro Avila
- Piedras
- Pueblo
- Quebrada Arriba
- Rincón,
- Sumido
- Toita
- Vegas
Climate
Cayey's climate is humid, rainy and mild. Annual precipitation is 100 inches (2,540 mm), and its average temperature is 77°F. Summers are warm ranging from 82°F to 88°F, while winters are moderately warm with cool temperatures at 57°F to 63°F.
10 Day Forecast from weather.com
Where to Stay
- Hacienda Lealtad (nearby)
- Canyon Boutique Hotel
- Hacienda Siempre Viva
- Hotel Hacienda Margarita
- Small inns throughout downtown Cayey
Several vacation rentals around Guavate and Carite provide cabins with mountain views and peaceful surroundings.
Local Flavors & Festivities
Where to Eat
- Lechonera Los Pinos
- Lechonera El Rancho Original
- Lechonera Beverly Hills
- Lechonera El Mojito
- Brasas de Cayey
- El Mesón de Melquíades
- Bistro Criollo
- Café 2150
- Panadería La Montaña
- Rico Pan Bakery
- Kasalta Express Cayey
Festivals and Events
Displaying 2 results.
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Fiestas Patronales Nuestra Senora de Asuncion
- August
Every year, Cayey celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions.(787) 738-3211
- Olimpiadas del Torito - April
Moments in History
Before European Settlement
Taíno communities lived throughout the central mountains, using the rivers and fertile valleys for agriculture.
1773
Cayey is founded as a Spanish settlement along an important route connecting San Juan and Ponce.
1800s
Agriculture flourishes with coffee, tobacco, sugarcane, and cattle ranching shaping the local economy.
Late 1800s
Because of its mountain climate, Cayey becomes known as one of Puerto Rico's healthiest places to live.
Mid-1900s
Operation Bootstrap brings manufacturing industries while agriculture gradually declines.
1960s–Present
Guavate earns international recognition as Puerto Rico's "Pork Highway," attracting thousands of visitors every weekend.
Today
Cayey blends mountain scenery, culinary traditions, education, and outdoor recreation into one of Puerto Rico's most distinctive inland destinations.
Notable People
Famous Cayeyanos
Ramón Frade
1875–1954
Painter
One of Puerto Rico's greatest artists, best known for El Pan Nuestro, an iconic portrayal of the Puerto Rican jíbaro.
Miguel Meléndez Muñoz 1884–1966 Architect
Designed numerous public buildings and churches throughout Puerto Rico during the early twentieth century.
Antonio R. Barceló 1868–1938 Politics
Influential Puerto Rican statesman, lawyer, journalist, and one of the island's leading political figures.
Tomás Batista
1935–Present
Sculpture
Although born in Luquillo, he's worth mentioning elsewhere on the site because he created Cayey's famous Monumento al Jíbaro Puertorriqueño, one of the municipality's defining landmarks.
City Symbols
Flag
Cayey's flag is based on the municipality's Coat of Arms, displayed at its center and encircled by a black ring. Four large triangles—two red and two white—point toward the shield, symbolizing the unity of the municipality and drawing attention to the elements that define Cayey's identity. The colors reflect the town's history, culture, and natural surroundings.
Coat of Arms
The Coat of Arms represents the geography, history, and traditions of Cayey. The three green mountains symbolize the Sierra de Cayey and Cerro Jájome, while the red bull reflects the municipality's historic cattle-ranching heritage and the determination of its people. The blue wavy band represents the rivers and abundant water resources that have shaped the region since its founding. At the top of the shield are the Paschal Lamb of San Juan and a red book, symbols of faith, knowledge, and the municipality's historical ties to Puerto Rico's colonial heritage.
Anthem
The official anthem of Cayey, "Alma Boricua," was written by Clodomiro Rodríguez and officially adopted on May 3, 1983. The song celebrates the beauty of Puerto Rico, the pride of being born in the island's central mountains, and the enduring love Cayeyanos feel for their homeland. Its lyrics express nostalgia, patriotism, and a deep connection to Puerto Rico's landscape and culture.
Human & Capital Resources
Economy
Historically, Cayey's economy centered on agriculture, particularly tobacco, sugarcane, coffee, and livestock. Today, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail are major employers, while Guavate's restaurants and mountain tourism have become important drivers of the local economy. Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble have manufacturing facilities in Cayey.
Education is one of Cayey's largest economic drivers. The University of Puerto Rico at Cayey is one of the municipality's largest employers and contributes to the city's cultural life through lectures, performances, athletic events, and community programs.
Education
There are 22 public schools in Cayey, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Cayey is also home of 2 colleges and universities.
Demographics *
Population
41,652
Land Area: 51.93 sq mi
Density: 830.4 per sq mi
Median Age: 43.7
Sex: 52% female
Economics **
$13,567
Median household income: $23,104
Puerto Rico: $21,058
Persons below poverty line: 40.3%
Housing, families and educational attainment *
Number of households
16,233
Housing units density:
403.1 (2013)
Persons per household: 2.65
High school grad or higher: 77.7%
Marital status: 39% married
* U.S. Census Bureau 2020 data, unless otherwise noted - Source: Quick Facts Puerto Rico.
** U.S. Census Bureau 2016-2020
Map References
Coordinates: 18.1144° N, 66.1681° W
ZIP Code: 00736, 00737
Driving Distance from San Juan: 37.3 miles
Driving Time: 1 hour, 1 minute
Did You Know?
The Taíno practiced agriculture, fishing, hunting, and trade with neighboring Caribbean islands.
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